Alf and Clare Ellis are a dynamic husband-and-wife duo renowned for their entrepreneurial spirit, business acumen, and unwavering commitment to quality. With a legacy firmly rooted in the British kitchen manufacturing industry, their next chapter unfolds here at Northcote, which they officially acquired in April 2025 from The Stafford Collection.
Their journey with Northcote, however, began long before their ownership. Over a decade ago, Alf and Clare first experienced the charm of the property as guests of its iconic annual culinary event, Obsession – a renowned gastronomic festival that attracts the world’s top chefs and food lovers alike. Captivated by the excellence, warmth, and vision of the place, they became loyal patrons, returning year after year. Now, as stewards of Northcote’s future, they are delighted to take the helm and shape the next steps of this prestigious destination.
The Ellis family, known for their passion, innovation, and drive, brings a fresh yet respectful perspective to Northcote. Their vision is ambitious and inspiring: to preserve everything that makes Northcote special while expanding its legacy and elevating the experience even further. At the heart of their plans is the creation of a stunning new restaurant, designed to offer an exceptional Michelin-star dining experience led by Executive Chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen. Set within an expansive, beautifully crafted space, the restaurant will overlook the sweeping landscape of the Ribble Valley, marrying culinary excellence with architectural beauty.
From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leaders
The Ellis story began in 1980, in their family home in Barnsley, Yorkshire. Frustrated by the lack of quality kitchens at affordable prices, Alf and Clare took matters into their own hands – literally – designing and building their first kitchen themselves. The result impressed friends and family, and what began as a personal project soon blossomed into a thriving business.
By 1981, they had opened their first factory and showroom in a modest 1,490-square-foot building on Castlereagh Street – originally built around 1940 by Clare’s father for Avery Scales. Within just a few years, their business grew rapidly, and by 1985, they had moved into a larger 10,000-square-foot site to meet soaring demand. Their early clients included prestigious national housebuilders like Mclean Homes and Charles Church, who were drawn to the Ellis hallmark of craftsmanship and reliability.
Ultima Furniture Systems and the Rise of DIY Kitchens
In 1986, the couple formalised their manufacturing operations with the launch of Ultima Furniture Systems, which specialized in producing fully rigid glue-and-dowel cabinets and bespoke kitchen components. Over the next three decades, Ultima would become one of the largest manufacturers of rigid kitchens in the UK, supplying trade customers across the nation.
Constantly innovating, the company invested heavily in advanced machinery and technology. Major milestones included the addition of veneered panels and robotic paint spraying lines in the 2010s, as well as the construction of a state-of-the-art 152,000-square-foot manufacturing facility near Leeds in 2016 – featuring a fully automated cabinet assembly line with eight robots.
In 2003, Alf and Clare launched a new consumer-facing venture: DIY Kitchens, an online platform offering top-quality kitchens direct to the public. The brand quickly became a disruptor in the industry, celebrated for offering high-end products at unbeatable prices. DIY Kitchens received nationwide acclaim in 2018 when it won the Which? Best Value Kitchen award, cementing its place as a trusted household name.
Family, Community and Continued Vision
Throughout all their business successes, Alf and Clare have remained deeply involved in the day-to-day operations of their companies. Alf has served as a director across multiple firms, including Ultima Furniture Systems Ltd. and Innova Kitchens Ltd., while Clare has held roles as director and company secretary, playing a pivotal part in strategic and operational growth.
Their entrepreneurial ethos is reflected in the next generation, too. Their son, Matt Ellis, acquired Wakefield Trinity Rugby League Club in October 2023, with a bold plan to restore it to Super League status and rejuvenate the community through sport.
A New Era at Northcote
Now, with Northcote under their leadership, Alf and Clare are set to bring the same passion, innovation, and dedication to hospitality as they have to manufacturing. Their vision for the property introduces new levels of luxury and design while staying true to Northcote’s soul and values.
With Chef Lisa Goodwin-Allen continuing to lead the kitchen and an exciting new restaurant on the horizon, the future of Northcote looks brighter than ever. Under the guidance of the Ellis family, Northcote is poised to remain one of the UK’s most revered culinary and hospitality destinations, where world-class food, exceptional service, and stunning surroundings come together in harmony.